Summer's nearly here, and if you're anything like most people, that's the cue to start thinking about where to go next. The trouble is choice. There are so many places you could book that it gets a bit paralysing, honestly. So here are a few things I've learned about picking the right spot, plus some destinations worth a look this year.

  1. Work out your budget first. I know, not the fun part. But it's the thing that quietly decides everything else, so get it done early. Add up the lot: flights or fuel, where you'll sleep, food, and whatever you plan to actually do once you're there. People forget that last one and it adds up fast. Once you've got a real number, you can start looking at places that fit it instead of falling in love with somewhere you can't afford.
  2. Think about what you actually like doing. Sounds obvious, but it's easy to book the "sensible" holiday and then be bored by day two. Are you happier hiking and swimming, or wandering round museums and old buildings? Do you want to do nothing on a beach, or do you want a bit of an adventure? Be honest with yourself here. Knowing what you enjoy trims the list down quickly and steers you somewhere you'll genuinely like.
  3. Do your homework on the destinations. With a budget and a rough idea of what you want, start digging into places that tick both boxes. Look for spots that have the activities and sights you're after, and somewhere to stay that won't blow the budget. Read reviews from other travellers, and look at plenty of photos too. It gives you a much more honest picture than the glossy brochure does.
  4. Don't ignore the weather. It really can make or break the whole trip. Check the climate wherever you're leaning. Chasing a beach holiday? Then you want somewhere warm and sunny, not somewhere that's technically summer but grey and damp. After an adventure instead? Milder temperatures tend to be kinder for being outdoors all day.
  5. And if it all feels like too much, talk to a travel agent. No shame in it. They'll help you narrow things down based on your interests, your budget, and what you're after, and a good one saves you hours of second-guessing. They can also dig up discounts and special offers you'd never stumble across on your own.

A few places that always pull the crowds in summer. There's a reason they do:

  1. Hawaii. Hard to argue with the beaches, the warm weather, and scenery that honestly doesn't look real in person. People keep going back, and you can see why.
  2. Europe. If you want culture and downtime in the same trip, this is the one. You can go from lazing on a Mediterranean beach one week to walking the old streets of Paris and Rome the next. Hard to get bored.
  3. The Caribbean. Beach holiday, plain and simple, done about as well as it gets. Clear water, white sand, warm all the time. That's the pitch, and it delivers.
  4. National Parks. For the outdoorsy types, America's national parks are tough to beat. Yosemite, Yellowstone, take your pick, there are loads of them and each one has its own character.
  5. Disney World. Travelling with kids? It's still the magic-maker. Rides, attractions, shows, more than enough to keep the whole family busy and, be warned, a bit worn out by the end.

So there's plenty to pick from this summer, which is a good problem to have. Sort out the budget, be honest about what you actually like, then do a bit of digging. Do that and you'll land on somewhere that fits you, not someone else's idea of a good holiday. Those are the trips you tend to remember anyway.